Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $37.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Chico, CA runs $37.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,671 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.2, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,206 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chico, California, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $37.83 by 2026, considerably above the national hourly median of $33.77. This favorable rate offers attractive earning potential for both full-time and part-time professionals, particularly those working in various care settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. For part-time physical therapist assistants working three days a week, the hourly pay can translate into a viable income, and the potential for per-diem work allows for flexible schedules, which can be appealing for those looking to manage work-life balance. The hourly range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $22.94 and high earners approaching $48.04 per hour, according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.94 | $183.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.94 | $183.52 |
| Median (P50) | $37.83 | $302.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.70 | $357.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.04 | $384.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $37.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.83/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $78,676 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,390. With a cost-of-living index of 101.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,513.01 | $6,556 | $78,676 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $907.80 | $3,934 | $47,206 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $605.20 | $2,623 | $31,471 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Chico) | $37.83 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Chico, CA earn a median of $78,671 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.99% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 6.80% below the California state average of $84,411.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.83/hr = $47,206/year (purchasing power: $46,647).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,676/year (purchasing power: $77,746).
CoL index: 101.197 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Chico grew 17.4% from $31.35/hr (2019) to $36.82/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.86/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Chico
For physical therapist assistants considering a part-time pathway in Chico, annual take-home pay can fluctuate based on actual hours worked. A PTA working a typical 24-hour week could expect to earn approximately $47,145, aligning with many professionals seeking to maintain a flexible schedule while starting their journey in the field. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Chico can vary widely but typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour; travel contracts even command higher weekly earnings between $1,200 and $1,800. However, since the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut took effect in 2022, some Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) roles may offer reduced pay, prompting PTAs to evaluate the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower rates that include health insurance. When seeking employment, it's advisable to negotiate based on the consistent demand for skilled PTAs in various settings, ensuring both fair compensation and benefits are taken into account.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Chico in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Chico?
Are physical therapist assistants in Chico paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Chico?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Chico. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov